Unique travel ideas in California, every other week.

Hello hello Subscriber First Name! It’s Jessie B., your well-traveled friend—and this week, I’m leaning all the way into summer mode.

We’re talking lazy river days in Guerneville—a charming small town I keep coming back to every summer—poolside hangs at a surprisingly fun hotel in Silicon Valley (yes, really), and a reading list full of novels and cookbooks that’ll give you major wanderlust.

Whether you’re planning a full-on road trip or just looking for some inspo to daydream about, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in. 🌞

P.S. Got a favorite summer read or spot I should check out? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you!

SUNNYVALE

Sometimes, You Just Need to Escape the Fog in San Francisco. So Bookmark this Hotel

Book a Stay: Website | Expedia | Booking.com | hotels.com

I was so wrong about this hotel.

When I first heard that Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley was opening in Sunnyvale, I initially wrote it off as the kind of place you stay at on a work trip. Yes, it has a fun, playful style, an inviting outdoor pool area, a shady beer garden, and a variety of social spaces, but I couldn’t get past the location.

That is, until I visited.

I rolled in around 4 p.m. and didn’t leave the property until noon the next day—I was having that good of a time. From listening to live music (pint in hand) in the outdoor beer garden to relaxing (book in hand) by the sunny pool area (hot tub included), there was plenty to fill an entire afternoon. Afterward, I headed to Valley Goat for dinner. Not gonna lie, it’s a bit of a splurge, but my taste buds weren’t mad about it. The wood-fired eggplant was delicious, and I couldn’t help but eye the sticky pork shank at neighboring tables.

Given how foggy and cold San Francisco gets in the summer—and how often I want to escape to sunshine—I immediately thought, “This hotel would be perfect for a staycation.” Though always nice to spend the night, they have day passes for locals too and fun offerings like summer movie nights.

That said, there was a Google office looming in the distance and a noticeable presence of tech workers, but it kind of added to the lively, after-work vibe as people funneled into the beer garden for drinks and pizza.

GUERNEVILLE

The Chill California Town I Come Back to Every Summer—And How to Spend a Weekend There

Come June, there are few places I’d rather be than Guerneville, California. Right around now, the unofficial start of summer, this riverside town becomes a vibrant, hub of sunny fun. Life revolves around the Russian River, which passes through town, with plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, or sunbathe on the beach. Plus: a lively LGBTQ+-friendly party scene, hikes, and wineries, that have kept me coming back, every year, since moving to San Francisco (seriously!)

➛ 3 things to do: Rent a canoe or kayak at Burke’s and paddle down the river; go for a hike in Armstrong Redwoods; and spend an afternoon wine-tasting—I like nearby Hartford Family Winery.

➛ Can’t miss restaurants: Canoe to riverside Stumptown for beers (skip the food). In town, get cocktails at El Barrio and dinner at Dawn Ranch or new wine bar, Trillium. Always save room for ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s.

➛ Where to stay: For a luxe getaway with or without the kiddos, go to Stavrand and be sure to book at least one dinner on site. For an adults-only trip, I love boon hotel + spa, an OG classic with a great pool, or their stylish, new, sister property Highlands Resort. There’s also a new glamping resort and swimp club, River Electric, opening this weekend, as well as Dawn Ranch, my top pick for a hotel with river access (read my full review) and a great bar/restaurant.

➛ Packing tip: Bring water shoes (I tested Teva’s new water sandals on this last trip to Guerneville and they were perfect), plenty of sunscreen, small cooler, beach blanket (I love the Rumpl ones) and a flotation device of your choice.

>> Read my full, in-depth guide to Guerneville [just updated!]

IN OTHER NEWS…

Summer Reading Edition

Big bookworm over here 📚 Here’s what I’m reading this summer:

🌍 WOMEN TRAVEL SOLO: This new release by Lonely Planet is a collection of inspiring, wanderlust-filled stories from adventurous women exploring the world on their own terms.

🌊 COASTAL: Yes, it’s a cookbook—but I seriously can’t put it down. Stunning photography, stories of local makers, and recipes that capture the California coast’s spirit. Warning: it may make you want to road trip.

📖 THE GIRLS: I keep coming back to this novel. Set in 1960s Northern California and loosely inspired by the Manson cult, Emma Cline’s debut is gripping, unsettling, and totally unforgettable.

What are you reading? Any favorite books about California? Reply to this email: I’d love to know!

ICYMI: ON THE BLOG

➛ Don’t Visit Malta in the Summer. Here’s Why You Should Visit in the Fall Instead

➛ Napa or Sonoma? Here’s What I’d Choose.

➛ This Brand is My Go-To for Women’s Travel Clothing—And Secret to Packing Ultra-Light

✈️ Planning a summer trip? ✈️

I’ve got space for 1 more trip planning client this month—whether it’s Sonoma, Japan, or somewhere in between. I’ll handle the logistics, bookings, and even snag you some perks—like hotel discounts and VIP upgrades.

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